scholarly journals Chen-Style Tai Chi for Individuals (Aged 50 Years Old or Above) with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author(s):  
Jing Liu ◽  
Albert Yeung ◽  
Tao Xiao ◽  
Xiaopei Tian ◽  
Zhaowei Kong ◽  
...  

Tai Chi (TC) can be considered safe and effective intervention to improve pain and pain-related functional disability. However, it is unclear that whether aging individuals with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNS-LBP) can achieve positive results. This study, therefore, attempted to explore the effects of TC on pain and functional disability in CNS-LBP patients aged 50 years old or above. Forty-three individuals (aged 50 years old or above) with CNS-LBP were randomly assigned into three groups: Chen-Style TC group (n = 15), Core Stabilization training (CST) group (n = 15), and control group (n = 13). Participants in the TC group participated in Chen-style TC training program (three 60-min sessions per week for 12 weeks), individuals in CST group received 12-week Core Stabilization exercise on the Swiss ball, whereas individuals in the control group maintained their unaltered lifestyle. Pain intensity as primary outcome was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), A BiodexSystem 3 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure knee and ankle joint position sense (JPS) as secondary outcomes at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. TC and CST have significant effects in VAS for CNS-LBP patients (p< 0.01, TC group OR CST group versus control group in mean of the post-minus-pre assessment). However, the feature of joint position sense (JPS) of ankle inversion, ankle eversion and knee flexion did not occur, it showed no significant effects with TC and CST. TC was found to reduce pain, but not improve lower limb proprioception in patients with CNS-LBP. Future research with larger sample sizes will be needed to achieve more definitive findings on the effects of TC on both pain and lower limb proprioception in this population.

Author(s):  
Caio Alano de Almeida Lins ◽  
Liane Brito Macedo ◽  
Renata Augusta Gomes Silveira ◽  
Daniel Tezoni Borges ◽  
Jamilson Simões Brasileiro

Background: Cryotherapy has been widely used in clinical practice, particularly for the treatment of acute injuries to soft tissues and various joints. However, since decrease in temperature can results in reduced nerve conduction velocity and proprioception, it can therefore be assumed that cryotherapy, applied before exercise, can result in a greater predisposition of the joints to lesion. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cryotherapy on balance and knee joint position sense (JPS). Methods: We conducted a randomized single-blinded clinical trial, with thirty volunteers of both genders (age: 23.3 ± 2.5 years; BMI: 22.2 ± 2.1 Kg/m2), who were randomly distributed into two groups with 15 subjects in each: control group - 20 minutes at rest; and experimental group - application of cryotherapy on the knee of the dominant lower limb, for 20 minutes. All subjects were submitted to the assessment of the balance, by means of computerized baropodometry and the JPS of the knee of the dominant lower limb (DLL) using an electrogoniometer, both open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC), before and after the interventions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software.  Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check the data normality and two-way ANOVA to verify intra and inter-group differences. The study was approved by the local Research and Ethics Committee (Approval no.  099/10) Results: There was a difference on the JPS assessed in OKC in the experimental group (p= 0.03). There was no alteration in the balance and the JPS with CKC, in none of the groups tested (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Cryotherapy when applied on knee did not affect balance or the JPS with CKC of the knee, although alteration was observed in OKC. We therefore conclude that application of cryotherapy before exercises do not posses increased risk of myoarticular injuries, since the most of these activities is performed in CKC.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Liu ◽  
Xue-Qiang Wang ◽  
Jie-Jiao Zheng ◽  
Yu-Jian Pan ◽  
Ying-Hui Hua ◽  
...  

Background. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese medicine exercise used for improving neuromuscular function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Tai Chi versus proprioception exercise program on neuromuscular function of the ankle in elderly people.Methods. Sixty elderly subjects were randomly allocated into three groups of 20 subjects per group. For 16 consecutive weeks, subjects participated in Tai Chi, proprioception exercise, or no structured exercise. Primary outcome measures included joint position sense and muscle strength of ankle. Subjects completed a satisfaction questionnaire upon study completion in Tai Chi and proprioception groups.Results. (1) Both Tai Chi group and proprioception exercise group were significantly better than control group in joint position sense of ankle, and there were no significant differences in joint position sense of ankle between TC group and PE group. (2) There were no significant differences in muscle strength of ankle among groups. (3) Subjects expressed more satisfaction with Tai Chi than with proprioception exercise program.Conclusions. None of the outcome measures on neuromuscular function at the ankle showed significant change posttraining in the two structured exercise groups. However, the subjects expressed more interest in and satisfaction with Tai Chi than proprioception exercise.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (12) ◽  
pp. 1581-1590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Souza de Vasconcelos ◽  
Anelize Cini ◽  
Graciele Sbruzzi ◽  
Cláudia Silveira Lima

Objective: To investigate how dynamic neuromuscular control, postural sway, joint position sense, and incidence of ankle sprain are influenced by balance training in athletes compared with the control group in randomized clinical trials. Data sources: The search strategy included MEDLINE, Physical Therapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were published by June of 2018. Methods: RCTs that evaluate the effectiveness of proprioception in these outcomes: dynamic neuromuscular control, postural sway, joint position, and the incidence of ankle sprains in athletes aged between 18 and 35 years. Two reviewers independently screened the searched records, extracted the data, and assessed risk of bias. The treatment effect sizes were pooled in a meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.2 software. Internal validity was assessed through topics suggested by Cochrane Collaborations. Results: Of the 12 articles included ( n = 1817), eight were in the meta-analysis ( n = 1722). The balance training reduced the incidence of ankle sprains in 38% compared with the control group ( RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43–0.90). In relation to the dynamic neuromuscular control, the training showed increase in the distance of reach in the anterior (0.62 cm, 95% CI: 0.13–1.11), posterolateral (4.22 cm, 95% CI: 1.76–6.68), and posteromedial (3.65 cm, 95% CI: 1.03–6.26) through the Star Excursion Balance test. Furthermore, training seems to improve postural sway and joint position sense. Conclusion: Balance training reduces the incidence of ankle sprains and increases dynamic neuromuscular control, postural sway, and the joint position sense in athletes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamizato Iwao ◽  
Deie Masataka ◽  
Fukuhara Kohei

Introduction. Chronic functional instability—characterized by repeated ankle inversion sprains and a subjective sensation of instability—is one of the most common residual disabilities after an inversion sprain. However, whether surgical reconstruction improves sensorimotor control has not been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to assess functional improvement of chronic ankle instability after surgical reconstruction using the remnant ligament.Materials and Methods. We performed 10 cases in the intervention group and 20 healthy individuals as the control group. Before and after surgical reconstruction, we evaluated joint position sense and functional ankle instability by means of a questionnaire.Results and Discussion. There was a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups before surgical reconstruction. Three months after surgery in the intervention group, the joint position sense was significantly different from those found preoperatively. Before surgery, the mean score of functional ankle instability in the intervention group was almost twice as low. Three months after surgery, however, the score significantly increased. The results showed that surgical reconstruction using the remnant ligament was effective not only for improving mechanical retensioning but also for ameliorating joint position sense and functional ankle instability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Moradi ◽  
Malihe Hadadnezhad ◽  
Amir Letafatkar ◽  
Zohre Khosrokiani ◽  
Julien S. Baker

Abstract Background The Glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit (GIRD) is related to the altered eccentric external-rotator (ER), the concentric internal-rotator (IR), muscle strength, and the ER: IR ratio. GIRD has been documented as a risk factor for shoulder injuries. However, few studies have investigated the effect of an exercise training on these parameters in athletes with GIRD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week throwing exercise with a TheraBand for retraining the rotator cuff on Electromyography (EMG) activity of selected muscles, rotator cuff muscle strength, the glenohumeral (GH) joint IR range of motion (ROM) and GH joint position sense in asymptomatic male volleyball players with GIRD. Methods Sixty male volleyball players with GIRD were randomized into either a training group or a control group. The experimental group underwent an 8-week throwing exercise with a TheraBand including 5 sessions of stretching and 3 sessions of strengthening exercises per week. The control group received an active self-exercise program. EMG (onset time and muscle activation), shoulder range of motion (ROMs), strength and GH joint position sense were all assessed pre and post trainings. Results There were statistically significant within-group differences in the EMG activity of the anterior deltoid (p = 0.005), middle deltoid (p = 0.007), posterior deltoid (p = 0.004), infraspinatus (p = 0.001) and supraspinatus (p = 0.001) muscles, IR ROM (p = 0.001), rotator cuff muscle strength ratio (p = 0.001), and GH joint position sense (p = 0.033) in the experimental group. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance with a mixed model design and independent and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Conclusions Throwing exercise with a TheraBand improved shoulder muscle activation, IR ROM, rotator cuff muscle strength ratio and GH joint position sense in participants with GIRD. These findings may improve the treatment of GIRD in a clinical setting. Although the results are significant, further studies should follow up the long-term effects of the Throwing exercise with a TheraBand on GIRD. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials using the UMIN-RCT website with ID number of, UMIN000038416 “Retrospectively registered” at 2019/10/29.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 273-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Appaswamy Thirumal Prabhakar ◽  
Tharan Suresh ◽  
Dilu Susan Kurian ◽  
Vivek Mathew ◽  
Atif Iqbal Ahmed Shaik ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction: Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) is one of the most common neurological disorders. Although several studies have studied the role of the neurological examination in DSP, there are only limited studies on the utility of timed vibration sense (VBS) and joint position sense (JPS) testing in the diagnosis of DSP. Objectives: The objective is to study the utility of timed VBS testing and JPS testing at the great toe in clinical detection of DSP. Methods: This study was prospectively conducted in the neurology department of a tertiary care hospital in India. Patients with DSP referred to the electrophysiology laboratory from August 2017 to December 2017 were screened. Patients with symptomatic DSP which was confirmed by electrophysiological studies were taken as cases and normal participants with no symptoms or electrophysiological findings suggestive of DSP served as controls. Results: We studied 127 patients and 194 controls. The mean age of the patients was 48.7 (14.5) years in the patient group and 39.7 (14.5) years in the control group. The male: female ratio was 77/50 in the patient group and 112/82 in the control group. Abnormal clinical examination was found in 95% of the patients with DSP. The most common abnormal examination components were impaired ankle reflexes (70%), vibration (85%), and JPS (39.6%) sensation. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of DSP, a vibratory response lasting <8 s at the great toe had a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 42.8%. For JPS testing at the great toe, obtaining two or more incorrect responses had a sensitivity of 33% and specificity of 87.6%. Conclusion: VBS testing was more sensitive and JPS testing was more specific in making a clinical diagnosis of DSP. For timed VBS, duration of >8 s at the great toe was a useful test to rule out DSP, and for JPS testing at the great toe, obtaining two or more incorrect responses was a useful test in ruling in the diagnosis of DSP.


Kinesiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-103
Author(s):  
Ziemowit Bańkosz ◽  
Tadeusz Stefaniak

Joint position sense and force reproduction are the most commonly used measures of proprioception. It is interesting to measure proprioception in integration of the factors most commonly viewed as the most important in table tennis—speed, in particular quick reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of replication of a specific range of motion and force of hand pressing under conditions of limited time. Forty table tennis players and 30 non-athletes participated in the study. Electrogoniometric and dynamometric methods were used in the investigation. The accuracy of replication of pronation and supination movements of the forearm at the elbow joint and force of hand pressing under conditions of limited time (performing the activity as fast as possible in response to visual signals) were measured. The tests performed in the study revealed that both female and male table tennis players were characterized by a higher level of forearm position sense during performing the fastest possible pronation and supination movements in most of the tasks. Better results of table tennis players than of the control group suggest that joint position and hand pressure sense integrated with quick reaction are important performance factors in table tennis. The results also indicate opportunities for using this methodology to monitor training.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 614-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana M. Otzel ◽  
Chris J. Hass ◽  
Erik A. Wikstrom ◽  
Mark D. Bishop ◽  
Paul A. Borsa ◽  
...  

Context: Following a lateral ankle sprain, ∼40% of individuals develop chronic ankle instability (CAI), characterized by recurrent injury and sensations of giving way. Deafferentation due to mechanoreceptor damage postinjury is suggested to contribute to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). Whole-body vibration (WBV) has the potential to address the neurophysiologic deficits accompanied by CAI and, therefore, possibly prevent reinjury. Objective: To determine if an acute bout of WBV can improve AMI and proprioception in individuals with CAI. Design and Participants: The authors examined if an acute bout of WBV can improve AMI and proprioception in individuals with CAI with a repeated-measures design. A total of 10 young adults with CAI and 10 age-matched healthy controls underwent a control, sham, and WBV condition in randomized order. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Intervention: WBV. Main Outcome Measures: Motoneuron pool recruitment was assessed via Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) in the soleus. Proprioception was evaluated using ankle joint position sense at 15° and 20° of inversion. Both were assessed prior to, immediately following, and 30 minutes after the intervention (pretest, posttest, and 30mPost, respectively). Results: Soleus maximum H-reflex:M-response (H:M) ratios were 25% lower in the CAI group compared with the control group (P = .03). Joint position sense mean constant error did not differ between groups (P = .45). Error at 15° in the CAI (pretest 0.8 [1.6], posttest 2.0 [2.8], 30mPost 2.0 [1.9]) and control group (pretest 0.8 [2.0], posttest 0.6 [2.9], 30mPost 0.5 [2.1]) did not improve post-WBV. Error at 20° did not change post-WBV in the CAI (pretest 1.3 [1.7], posttest 1.0 [2.4], 30mPost 1.5 [2.2]) or control group (pretest −0.3 [3.0], posttest 0.8 [2.1], 30mPost 0.6 [1.8]). Conclusion: AMI is present in the involved limb of individuals with CAI. The acute response following a single bout of WBV did not ameliorate the presence of AMI nor improve proprioception in those with CAI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596712098520
Author(s):  
Cetin Sayaca ◽  
Miray Unal ◽  
Mahmut Calik ◽  
Filiz Erdem Eyuboglu ◽  
Defne Kaya ◽  
...  

Background: Scapular kinesia is an important component of glenohumeral rhythm and shoulder stability. No studies have evaluated scapular dyskinesis and its relationship to shoulder proprioception in patients who have undergone arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). Purpose: To investigate scapular dyskinesis, proprioception, and functional level after ABR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study included 13 male patients who underwent ABR (ABR group; mean age, 30 years; range, 24-36 years) and 13 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals (control group). The age, height, weight, and dominant side of all participants were collected. Scapular dyskinesis was evaluated using the lateral scapular slide test and the scapular dyskinesis test; proprioception was measured by the active angle reproduction test using a smartphone goniometer application, and functional level was assessed using the upper-quarter Y-balance test for dynamic stability as well as the Rowe score and Walch-Duplay score for quality of life and return to activities of daily living. Results: The presence of static scapular dyskinesis in the neutral position, at 45° of abduction, and at 90° of abduction as well as the presence of dynamic scapular dyskinesis was higher in the ABR group compared with the control group ( P ≤ .04 for all). Shoulder joint position sense (absolute error) at 40° and 100° of shoulder elevation and shoulder functional level according to the Rowe score were worse in the ABR patients compared with the healthy controls ( P ≤ .02 for all). Dynamic scapular dyskinesis was negatively related to shoulder joint position sense at 40° of shoulder elevation ( r = –0.64; P = .01). Static scapular movement as measured on the lateral scapular slide test was moderately related to the Rowe score ( r = 0.58; P = .03). Conclusion: Scapular kinematics and proprioception should be evaluated after ABR. Treatment approaches to improve scapular control and proprioceptive sense should be included in the rehabilitation program for patients after ABR.


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